What you need to know

If you want to know more about flying-foxes, take a look at the following Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. What do they eat?

Flying-foxes feed on the nectar and pollen of native blossoms and fruits such as figs. Flying-foxes are beneficial to the health of vegetation, as they spread seeds and pollinate native plants.

Q. What about disease? Can I catch Hendra Virus from a flying fox?

A. People cannot catch the Hendra Virus from flying-foxes. People can only contact the Hendra Virus from coming into close contact with an infected horse.

Q. I have heard that flying foxes carry rabies. Is this true and can I catch it?

A. Flying-foxes do not have rabies. Only a very small percentage of flying-foxes (less than 1 per cent are infected with a disease called Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) which is similar, but not the same, as rabies. This virus can only be transmitted to humans by bites, scratches or saliva into an open wound from an infected bat. If you do not pick up or handle flying-foxes, you have nothing to fear. Neither you nor your pets can get ABLV (Lyssavirus) from flying-foxes flying overhead, roosting or feeding in your yard or touching their droppings.

Q. What about their droppings?

A. Exposure to bat faeces or urine does not pose a risk of catching ABLV. Bat droppings should be treated the same hygiene as you would with any other animals.

Q. What is that smell?

A. Many people mistakenly believe that the odour from a flying-fox roost is from their droppings. The smell is actually from the male’s scent glands which, just like in koalas and possums, are used to mark their territories. This ‘scent’ is heightened during breeding season and when they are disturbed and pushed onto someone else’s branch or when newcomers arrive in the roost.
Smell also plays an important role in flying-fox communication.

Q. What do I do if I find a flying fox one on the ground or a sick one in my tree?

A. Call the local representatives of WIRES (Wildlife, Information, Rescue and Education Service) on 1300 131 554. They will send out a trained carer to attend to the animal. Never attempt to rescue or handle injured flying-foxes yourself.

Q. What do I do if I get bitten or scratched by a bat?

A. Seek medical assistance immediately.

Q. What do I do if I get flying fox droppings on my car? Will it strip the paint work?

A. Bird droppings are actually more corrosive than flying-fox faeces. To remove flying-fox droppings, it is recommended to cover the stain with a wet cloth or newspaper and leave it to soak for about 30 minutes and then simply wipe it away. Do not leave droppings on the car to ‘bake’ in the sun.

Q. What do I do if there are flying-foxes in my backyard?

A. Flying-foxes prefer tall and reasonably dense vegetation for their camps. If you see flying-foxes in your backyard they are most likely feeding on the fruit and flowers of trees and if they stay overnight they should only remain for two to four weeks before moving on to other food sources. Netting is the best option to protect your fruit.

Q. Is it okay to scare flying-foxes away?

A. Flying-foxes are listed as a vulnerable species and no action which impacts on them can be carried out without first gaining approval. Substantial penalties apply (under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) of up to $8.5 million or up to seven years imprisonment apply for undertaking an activity without approval.

Q. Can flying-foxes contaminate my rainwater supply?

A. Domestic rainwater tanks can be contaminated with particles from traffic, roof or plumbing materials. Droppings from many animals, including flying-foxes, may end up on your roof and these contaminants can be washed into your rainwater tank.

Q. How can I prevent my rainwater tank from becoming contaminated?

A. First flush devices prevent the initial flow of roof water from entering tanks and help reduce the amount of dust, animal droppings and leaves being washed into tanks. This “first-flush” of water can be captured and used for watering plants or other non-drinking uses.

All access points to your tank should be sealed when not in use. Tank inlet and outlet points should be screened to keep out materials such as leaves, and to prevent the access of mosquitoes and other insects.

Screens should be cleaned often and rooftops and gutters should be regularly inspected and cleaned.

Rainwater tanks should also be checked for sludge accumulation every 2-3 years and cleaned if required.

Q. What do I do if I suspect my tank is contaminated?

A. Tank water can be chlorinated to disinfect it, or it can be boiled and allowed to cool before use. Further information about disinfection can be found on the NSW Health websiteor by contacting your local Public Health Unit on (02) 6764 8000

Q. Will flying-foxes contaminate my rainwater supply?

A. Flying-fox droppings should be treated with the same basic hygiene precautions as with any other animal.Flying-foxes may carry a range of bacteria in their guts just like many other domestic pets, wild animals and birds. The droppings from any animals may contaminate the environment and potentially cause gastrointestinal illness in humans if swallowed.

Australian Bat Lyssavirus is not spread through flying fox urine or droppings, so if your rainwater tank becomes contaminated with droppings from flying-foxes you cannot contract the virus.

If you are properly maintaining your rainwater tank and water catchment system then the risk of flying-foxes, or other animals, contaminating your rainwater supply is very low and should not be cause for concern.